Denotation and connotation in the human-computer interface: The ‘Save as...’ command

This paper presents a semiotic technique as a means of exploring meaning and understanding in interface design and use. This is examined through a study of the interaction between the ‘file’ metaphor and ‘save as’ command metaphor. The behaviour of these (from a functional or computational basis) do not exactly match, or map onto, the meaning of the metaphor. We examine both the denotation of a term to the user, i.e. its literal meaning to that person, and the term’s connotations, i.e. any other meanings associated with the term. We suggest that the technique applied is useful in predicting future problems with understanding the use of metaphor at the interface and with designing appropriate signification for human-computer interaction. Variation in connotation was expected but a more fundamental difference in denotation was also uncovered. Moreover, the results clearly demonstrate that consistency in the denotation of a term is critical in achieving a good user understanding of the command

An Interactive Simulation Description Interpreter

Inter_Sim, an interactive tool for developing and running discrete simulation models by interpreting a descriptive language, is presented. A running simulation, when halted, remains suspended. Aftern extension, alteration, or investigation of the description, the simulation runs from the suspended state. Thus the user views the simulation model as a running model, rather than a piece of static text. The strengths and weaknesses of such an approach are discussed; other methods of interactive development are reviewed

Discrete and continuous systems of logic in nuclear magnetic resonance

We implement several non-binary logic systems using the spin dynamics of nuclear spins in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The NMR system is a suitable test system because of its high degree of experimental control; findings from NMR implementations are relevant for other computational platforms exploiting particles with spin, such as electrons or photons. While we do not expect the NMR system to become a practical computational device, it is uniquely useful to explore strengths and weaknesses of unconventional computational approaches, such as non-binary logic

Estrogen Receptors are Present in Neocortical Transplants

Fetal neocortical tissue was grafted into neocortical lesion cavities made in newborn rats. After two weeks survival, in vitro binding of [3H]- estradiol to cytosolic preparations provided evidence of estrogen receptors within the transplants. The observed high levels correspond to previous work demonstrating elevated estrogen receptor levels during the first postnatal week in the rat cerebral cortex

Recognizing and Treating Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus in Neonates Presenting to a Pediatric Emergency Department: Predictors of Acyclovir Use

Background The risk of transmission of Herpes Simplex Virus from infected mothers to newborns is highest in mothers with active, symptomatic lesions. With the proper primary care, this population can be treated prophylactically to greatly reduce the risk of transmission. These babies can then be monitored closely for any sequalae indicating the disease. However, if neonates do not have the known risk factor of a mother carrying HSV, certain signs and symptoms in the neonatal period can alert physicians to the possibility of a neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus infection and prompt empirical treatment. Methods A retrospective chart review was done using data from the electronic medical records of Eastern Health. Eligible subjects who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified, and data from eligible charts was extracted and analyzed to form a picture of which infants were being treated for NHSV infection. Results Due to the small number of eligible subjects available from the time frame of the study, statistical analysis was limited. The mean age of the eligible population (neonates aged 0 to 28 days) was 14 days old. The majority of these presented with fever. Three out of 17 patients were treated presumptively with acyclovir, 2 of whom had presented with fever and 1 with suspected seizure

Ineffectiveness of colchicine for the prevention of restenosis after coronary angioplasty

AbstractColchicine, an antimitogenic agent, has shown promise in preventing restenosis after coronary angioplasty in experimental animal models. A prospective trial was conducted involving 197 patients randomized in a 2:1 fashion to treatment with oral colchicine, 0.6 mg twice daily (130 patients), or placebo (67 patients) for 6 months after elective coronary angioplasty. Treatment in all patients began between 12 h before angioplasty and 24 h after angioplasty. Compliance monitoring revealed that 96% of all prescribed pills were ingested. Demographic characteristics were similar in colchicine- and placebo-treated groups. A mean of 2.7 lesions/patient were dilated. Side effects resulted in a 6.9% dropout rate in the colchicine-treated patients.Complete quantitative angiographic follow-up was obtained in 145 patients (74%) with 393 dilated lesions. Quantitative angiographic measurements were obtained in two orthogonal views at baseline before angioplasty and immediately and at 6 months after angioplasty. The quantitative mean lumen diameter stenosis before angioplasty was 67% both in the 152 lesions in the placebo-treated group and in the 241 lesions in the colchkine-treated group; this value was reduced to 24% immediately after angio-plasty in the lesions in both treatment groups.At the 6-month angiogram, lesions had restenosed to 47% lumen diameter narrowing in the placebo-treated group compared with 46% in the colchicine-treated group (p = NS). Forty-one percent of colchicine-treated patients developed restenosis in at least one lesion compared with 45% of the placebo-treated group (p = NS). In conclusion, colchicine was ineffective for preventing restenosis after coronary angioplasty

Houston, We Have a Problem Solving Model for Training

In late 2006, the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) at NASA began looking at ways to make training more efficient for the flight controllers who support the International Space Station. The average certification times for flight controllers spanned from 18 months to three years and the MOD, responsible for technical training, was eager to develop creative solutions that would reduce the time to 12 months. Additionally, previously trained flight controllers sometimes participated in more than 50 very costly, eight-hour integrated simulations before becoming certified. New trainees needed to gain proficiency with far fewer lessons and training simulations than their predecessors. This poster presentation reviews the approach and the process that is currently in development to accomplish this goal